After you’ve decided to go to Amsterdam, you have a few more decisions to make before your holiday. First, you must find a deal on Amsterdam flights. It is wise to book your flight well in advance to ensure a lower rate, especially if you are going during the busy season. While you may be able to find accommodations after you land, it is ideal to make your reservation in advance as well. After you have secured lodging, it’s time for the fun part – deciding what to do.

A view of the Reguliersgracht on the corner with the Keizersgracht, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Massimo Catarinella

The Seven Best Things to Do

The below top seven things to do in Amsterdam will help you decide which attractions and activities you cannot miss during your trip.

• De Pijp – This neighborhood is referred to as “Quartier Latin” due to 19^th-century architecture that reflects a collision of many different cultures. This eclectic neighborhood features ethnic restaurants and one-of-a kind shops to satisfy the food enthusiast and shopaholic. It is also home to Albert Cuyp Market, a famous street market with international vendors. This is a great place to meander around and take in flavors and experiences from all over the world.

• Vondelpark – As a well-maintained park that is home to ponds, playgrounds and winding paths, it is an ideal spot for an evening bike ride or roller blading adventure. There is a plethora of sculptures and statues to appreciate throughout the park. Vondelpark is open from sunrise to sunset and is an excellent free way to enjoy an evening in Amsterdam.

• Anne Frank’s House – Anne Frank’s universally respected and somber house is widely considered a must-see attraction. Visitors are able to see where Anne Frank hid for two years and wrote her diary before being taken to a concentration camp. As one of the most popular attractions in the city, visiting very early or very late in the day is the best way to avoid long lines. The House is open daily and charges a reasonable price for admission.

• Van Gogh Museum – Home to a collection of prints, paintings and etchings from the respected Vincent Van Gogh, this museum is a must-see for any art enthusiast. With over 200 paintings on display visitors can spend an entire day taking in Van Gogh’s work. Admission is more than other museums in the area and is often sold-out. Reserve your tickets well ahead of time to see this unique museum.

• The Heineken Experience – Located on the site of the company’s original brewery, this renovated attraction offers a self-guided tour of this famous brewery. The ‘experience’ entails a unique multimedia exhibit in which you actually become a beer. Visitors are shaken, sprayed and heated. Don’t worry, you won’t be drank at the end. However, you may do some drinking yourself.

• The Red Light District – Many travelers have called the Red Light District a can’t-miss attraction. Being home to many bars and clubs, this district is known for its legalized prostitution and is most alive at night. Even if you will not be a patron, visiting the district offers a unique perspective not found anywhere else in the world. Leave the camera at your hostel, as taking pictures of prostitutes is expressly prohibited.

• Di’Vino Wijnbar – The Jordaan district is home to this dedicated wine bar for the sophisticated tourist. Enjoy a candlelit experience filled with quality Italian wines paired with divinely arranged cheese plates. The flickering candles and comfortable seating create an idyllic environment for a romantic evening in a quiet part of town.

Make the Most Out of Your Amsterdam Trip

Planning a rough itinerary before your trip is the best way to make the most out of your Amsterdam holiday. While there is value in an unstructured visit, if you are on any sort of time constraints making a schedule is advised. Creating an itinerary of attractions and activities will help you optimize the time spent in this wonderful and historic city.

Jonathan M. Scott is a contributing writer and travel enthusiast. He makes regular trips to Europe and Asia to explore new countries and cultures. 

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